Getting work-wise

While the summer seems to be all about chilling in the pool, tank tops and ice-cold drinks, the season is also about lazy days which, when utilised well, can turn out to be very fruitful. In addition to killing your boredom, you get a taste of the real life which lies ahead of your college years and gain some great experience.

Doing an internship is a great way to try out different things, which will help you make a more informed career choice. Internships are also great opportunities to network and build contacts, which may prove to be very useful. Sometimes, internships transit into actual jobs, if you have performed exceptionally well. So go on and try out these internships! You just have to be a college student to get into one of the following positions, although no stipends are given. “Internships today are no longer a choice. Most organisations prefer students with internship experience versus just great academic scores. As much as 60% of the decision is based on personal attributes and past experiences (mostly internships),” says Mayank Batheja, founder, letsintern.com

Social sector

If you wish to use your time to do something meaningful for the social sector, you may apply for an internship at the World Wide Fund (WWF). This will provide you with great exposure in the field of wildlife conservation. You can intern for one to six months. The application link can be found on their official website. CRY (Child Rights and You) has an internship programme for college students, which is open all year round and lasts for about four to six weeks. If you are above 18 or have completed the first year of a college degree course, you are eligible to apply. “At CRY, we believe that anyone can contribute to child rights. We get many interns from across the country who gain a lot of practical exposure. Our goal is that everything should be converted into action,” says Soha Moitra, regional director (north), CRY. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the internship programme enables you to work for child rights, even after your internship period is completed. You can choose to be a part of activities ranging from public mobilisation, research, field exposures and documentation to piloting project ideas, learning about human resources, organising events or even putting into action your media advocacy skills. The work can be research related, on the field or a combination of both, and a certificate is provided for the same. Application form can be downloaded from their official website. Another internship opportunity is with Goonj that has volunteer programmes which involve organising collection camps, research and IT work and making presentations among a host of other options. You can apply anytime during the year, and contribute as much time as is comfortable for you. The Indian Cancer Society too has a comprehensive internship programme. “This includes going to schools, colleges, communities for holding interactive sessions, being a part of the cancer Emotional Support Group in hospitals and counselling sessions. Interns also visit mobile cancer detection centres and organise mobile camps,” says Rita Thokchom, coordinator, programme promotions, Indian Cancer Society.

A very unique internship opportunity has come up in the Aam Aadmi Party, the political party founded by Arvind Kejriwal. It’s a two-month programme wherein the interns get to work with AAP volunteers in the field and party office. The job role includes designing and executing various projects in the areas of communication, party building, market research, data analysis and developing a larger network of AAP volunteers across the designated area. Upon completion, a certificate of excellence will be awarded

For media and journalism students, Tehelka, an investigative journalism magazine, offers month-long internships for editorial, video and radio slots. To apply, send a resume and an essay about why you are interested in the internship. You can join The Viewspaper and Youth Ki Awaaz. The former offers you internships relating to editorial and production work. All these internships are open throughout the year.

Contact detailsJobs@tehelka.com; Call at 9654942007 to intern with The Viewspaper

Student affairs

AIESEC, a student-run organisation present in over 113 countries, provides international internships for graduates and postgraduates. There is a matching process which will place you in a project in a different country, and you will have to work for it for six weeks.

Highly subsidised accommodation and other amenities are provided, and an international exposure can be gained as you work and interact with students of so many different countries.

“An AIESEC international internship will give you the best experience, friends and perspective from across the globe and lessons that last a lifetime! This internship gave me an opportunity to start young and lead young, to realise my potential at the age of 18. An AIESEC internship is a must!” says Aashna Gupta, vice president (marketing), AIESEC in Delhi University.

Another student, Sujata Verma, who went on an internship to Philippines, adds, “My internship in Philippines with AIESEC turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. It was nice to interact and get to know people from different countries. I would say that experience and exposure I got from this internship is priceless. I have become more practical and confident now.” To apply, contact the AIESEC local chapter to which your university belongs, and wait for it to work out!

However, it is only convenient to go for an international internship in your holidays so its best to contact them as soon as possible!

The Indian government, too, provides internship opportunities. The legislative department in the ministry of law and justice takes on fourth-or fifth-year law students for six- to eight-week internships. Internships are also available with the ministry of external affairs and the ministry of information and broadcasting (in a digital volunteer programme). For more information, connect with each ministry’s website and send in your details.